The Hoosier Films Annual Festival celebrates the vibrant and diverse films and filmmakers of Indiana. Each spring, we will screen three days of exclusively Indiana-made films at the historic Buskirk-Chumley Theater in beautiful Bloomington, Indiana. Meet filmmakers from around the state, grow your network, and spark new ideas with potential collaborators. Each morning of the festival, we will host workshops and panels designed to connect filmmakers to regional resources.

Hoosier Films is a multi-platform distribution company exclusive to Indiana-based filmmakers. Distribution through Hoosier Films is neither required nor contingent upon submission to the festival.

Best Feature
Best Short

Best Actor*
Best Cinematographer*
Best Director*
Best Editor*
Best Writer*

*Individual awards are restricted to filmmakers with Indiana ties. To ensure consideration for these awards, please include those connections in your submission application.

OFFICIAL RULES
- Submitted films must have been completed on or after January 1st, 2019.
- Short films are under 30 minutes, Mid-length films are 30-60 minutes, and feature films are over 60 minutes.
- Films in a language other than English must include English subtitles.
- Films cannot require a screening fee.

Films must meet one of the following criteria to be eligible as an Indiana-based film.
- The writer, director, or producer: was living in Indiana at the time of production; is an Indiana native; received a degree in filmmaking from an Indiana college or university.
- The lead actor (playing the central character - not in an ensemble) was living in Indiana at the time of production.
- The majority of cast/crew was living in Indiana at the time of production.
- A documentary with an exclusively Indiana-based topic.

SELECTION PROCESS
Each film will be reviewed by a selection committee for its artistic quality. No priority is given to films that overtly portray Indiana. Preference is given to films that meet multiple criteria above.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • My brothers and I had a wonderful experience at the Hoosier Films Festival! I was nervous because this was my first film festival ever. However, Thomas and Meredith were welcoming, kind, and fostered a great environment. The other Hoosier filmmakers were also welcoming and it was great to network. The festival was well managed and seeing the films in the beautiful Buskirk Chumley theater was spectacular. We will be attending again!

    March 2023
  • Meredith and Thomas dedicate their whole body and minds into making this a wonderful experience. We appreciated how this festival brings all walks of life together, sparks discussions, and has helped promote future collaboration with people I didn't know prior to attending. I'm thankful for the learning experience gained her, their mission to showcase a variety of stories, and lastly it was an honor to receive recognition for our contributions to preserving stories through documentary filmmaking. Can't wait for next year.

    July 2022
  • michael husain

    We had a great experience here. So impressed with the vision and energy of Meredith and Thomas to support Hoosier Film and grow this festival. Bloomington is such a fun town and the theater is beautiful! Really enjoyable!

    April 2022
  • Eric Pascarelli

    A very well put together festival with great communication. Definitely a highlight of my year!

    April 2022
  • Daisy Paroczy Hickey

    A huge thank you to Thomas and Meredith for putting on a fantastic festival. If it was this good as a virtual festival (because of Covid), then I can't wait to see what it would be like in-person. I felt so welcomed and appreciated as a filmmaker. Bravo!

    April 2021